Huge grant awarded to restoration of Gunnersbury Park

The Drawing Room at Gunnersbury Park which is under restoration works to be returned to its former glory - The carriages will be displayed in a purpose-built gallery there once work has finished (Image: Hounslow Council)

Another huge funding boost has been awarded to the Gunnersbury Park restoration works.

Country Houses Foundation has donated £75,000 towards repairs, conservation and renovation of the Drawing Room in the Large Mansion.

The latest grant will help return the lavish room to its former glory, once used by the Rothschild family to entertain guests and where the wedding of Leonora de Rothschild, eldest daughter of Lionel and Charlotte de Rothschild took place in 1857.

Councillor Steve Curran, leader of Hounslow council, said: “We’re extremely grateful for the Country Houses Foundation’s award to the Large Mansion project.

“It’s through the help of charitable foundations, heritage organisations and the commitment of volunteers and local supporters that Gunnersbury will be restored and become, once again, a major heritage and recreation site.

“I’m sure that all supporters of the park will join me in thanking the Country Houses Foundation for this grant.”

Gunnersbury Large Mansion was the first Rothschild country residence in England, later followed by the grand houses in Buckinghamshire and Hertfordshire.

The Drawing Room which boats three large windows opening out onto the south lawns, retains its original architectural features including the monogram of Nathan Mayer Rothschild, founder of the British branch of the Rothschilds; golden carrier pigeons a reminder of the Rothschild messaging system established across Europe; as well as the musical instrument golden lyres.

Councillor Julian Bell, leader of Ealing council, added: “It is fantastic news that we have secured funding from the Country Houses Foundation to help renovate the Large Mansion’s Drawing Room.

“Gunnersbury is an architectural treasure that is being transformed into a first class visitor attraction that people will be able to enjoy for generations to come.”

The Gunnersbury Park project, also funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and Historic England, will see the restoration of the park’s historic Grade II listed buildings, the re-imaging of the local museum, the restoration of lost and deteriorated landscape and planting and a new sports hub building.

Hounslow and Ealing councils have worked with Historic England to rescue the ‘At Risk’ structures and buildings on the estate so it can continue to serve the local community for future generations.